Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder that affects the large intestine and rectum. Characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal tissue, ulcerative colitis affects more than 0.5 million Americans alone, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. There is no cure for this condition although combining a strict diet with anti-inflammatory medicines helps to provide relief from symptoms, including abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding, diarrhea and fever. Some herbs have anti-inflammatory effects, including the traditional Indian herb, boswellia. However, evidence to prove boswellia is an effective treatment is limited. Don't take boswellia in place of medical treatments and get medical advice before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Boswellia, also sometimes known as Indian frankincense, is a traditional Indian herbal remedy used to treat ailments characterized by inflammation such as asthma, arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Its main ingredient is a substance known as boswellic acid, which may work by inhibiting the production if inflammatory chemicals. However, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that unlike other anti-inflammatory compounds, it is unlikely that bowellia has any pain-killing effects.
Administration
Boswellia is derived form the resin of the Indian frankincense tree and is supplied in capsules or tablets. Although guidance regarding the amount required to reduce ulcerative colitis-associated inflammation is limited, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that 550 mg three times per day for up to six weeks has been used to treat this condition. Check with your doctor whether this dose is appropriate for you.
Effectiveness
Clinical studies evaluating the effects of boswellia on ulcerative colitis are limited, therefore it is difficult to say for sure whether it is an effective treatment. However, the results of one early clinical study published in the January 1997 issue of the "European Journal of Medical Research" show that 82 percent of patients who took boswellia went into remission. In contrast, only 75 percent of patients who took the prescription anti-inflammatory, sulfasalazine, went into remission. More up-to-date clinical studies are lacking.
Safety Considerations
Mississippi Baptist Health Systems notes that pharmaceutical grade standardized boswellia extract is not associated with any significant adverse effects, but adds that using crude boswellia resin may not be safe. Don't use boswellia if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and don't give it to a child with ulcerative colitis unless directed to do so by a medical professional. Avoid this herb if you have liver or kidney disease.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- "European Journal of Medical Research"; Effects of Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis; I. Gupta, et al.; January 1997
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Boswellia
